Fast food linked to lower IQ

A study of children from Scotland has found a potential link between a high frequency of fast food meals and a reduced level of intelligence.

Dr Sophie vom Stumm, from the department of psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, examined the dietary habits of 4,000 children aged three to five from north of the border.

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Taking into account previous intelligence, social status and wealth, the research found that those kids who eat freshly-cooked meals were more likely to grow up with a higher IQ than those who consumed takeaway meals.

The findings came after Dr von Stumm examined the cognitive ability and growth of these children after they ate these food types.

Unsurprisingly, the research noted that parents from a higher socio-economic status were more likely to give their kids meals using fresh ingredients, which boosted IQ.

In comparison, lower socio-economic families were more likely to serve up fast food.

Dr von Stumm, from the department of psychology at Goldsmiths, said: ‘This research will go some way to providing hard evidence to support the various high-profile campaigns aimed at reducing the amount of fast food consumed by children in the UK.’

Obesity is a serious problem in Britain, with new figures from the World Cancer Research Fund showing that some 22,000 cancers are caused by people being overweight each year.

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